James is a music enthusiast who has mastered the art of integrating his favored tunes into his day-to-day life, effortlessly shifting from Spotify at his work-desk to Pandora during his runs, and carefully crafting playlists to perfectly enhance every activity, whether he’s working out, cooking a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. His headphones are his constant companions, transforming his life into a fully soundtracked experience. However, while James finds relaxaction and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he loves could be quietly weakening his precious sense of hearing.
There are safe ways to enjoy music and ways that are more risky to your hearing health. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
What is the connection between prolonged exposure to music and hearing loss?
Extended exposure to loud music can lead to a decline in your auditory function. Hearing loss is commonly connected to getting older, but the latest studies suggest that it is primarily triggered by damage from exposure to loud sounds rather than being a normal part of aging.
It also appears that younger ears are especially susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the lasting perils of high volume. An increasing number of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss due to frequent use of loud headphones.
Can one listen to music without any safety issues?
Listening to music at full blast without any limitations is the most dangerous approach. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it usually involves turning the volume down. The general rules for safe volumes are:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume remains below 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level below 75 dB.
Forty hours week translates into about five hours and forty minutes a day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by fairly quickly. In spite of this, most individuals possess a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is usually perfected during early childhood.
The more difficult facet entails tracking your sound level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not show volume in decibels. Its value is determined using a somewhat subjective or relative scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it might be as narrow as 1 to 16. You might be unaware of the maximum volume capacity of your device or how close you are to reaching that limit.
How to properly monitor your music volume
To address this problem, numerous free noise tracking apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps offer real-time insights into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume appropriately.
Because of this, many audiologists recommend utilizing one of the numerous noise level monitoring apps available at no cost. These apps– widely available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises surrounding you. In this manner, you can monitor the decibel level of your music as it plays and make adjustments accordingly.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
By way of illustration, 80 dB is roughly equivalent to the noise emitted by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Recognizing this benchmark is crucial, as it represents the threshold beyond which hearing damage becomes a tangible hazard.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel threshold is essential. Consider limiting exposure to overly loud music by enjoying select tracks at full volume instead of indulging in entire albums.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to hearing issues, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially irreversible damage to one’s hearing. By being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make educated decisions in order to encourage safer listening habits.
Set up an appointment for a hearing evaluation
To further prioritize your hearing health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a thorough hearing exam. Taking practical actions like consistent assessments can identify possible problems at an early stage, enabling quick actions and customized advice to protect your valuable hearing.
